A Rs.3.05-crore renovation and beautification project of the century-old Kanakakkunnu palace, the durbar and banquet hall of the Travancore royal family, and a key landmark of the capital city, was launched here on Wednesday by Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar.
“The project is aimed at recapturing the glory, legacy, and beauty of the palace,” a press note issued here quoted the Minister as saying. “The work will be eco-friendly and will not tamper with the monument’s traditional architectural style.”
The Nishagandhi auditorium, on the palace premises, which hosts a variety of cultural programmes, will also be renovated simultaneously. The renovation is being entrusted to the Kerala Land Development Corporation (KLDC).
The project comprises renovating the Kanakakkunnu garden, setting up lights, constructing lawns, planting trees, widening the parking area, constructing stone steps (kalppadavukkal) from the entrance to the palace, and putting up new direction boards.
The project also includes widening of the walkway around the palace for the public, the press note said.
Mr. Anil Kumar said that the plans to connect Kanakakkunnu palace with the neighbouring museum compound was under consideration. K. Muraleedharan, MLA, who presided over the inaugural function, suggested that the roofing of the Sooryakanthi open air auditorium be done to protect the facility against inclement weather.
The renovation is expected to be completed by the first week of August.
